Officials at Mississippi State University are working with local law enforcement agencies on the case of a 21-year-old student found shot to death in a dorm over the weekend. John Sanderson died at Oktibbeha County Hospital after campus police responded to “an incident” at Evans Hall.
MSU’s president, Dr. Mark Keenum, feels the shooting was a unique event.
“This is the first time in our school’s history that such a tragic incident has occurred, involving a student being shot on campus,” Keenum said in a statement. “Our campus is known as a safe place, and I want to assure students, parents, faculty, and staff that it continues to be safe. Safety is paramount at all times, and we have emergency response plans in place to maintain the safest environment possible. These procedures were executed quickly and effectively [Saturday] night.”
“But we have had no indication that there is a danger to others and we believe this was an isolated incident,” he continued. “We go to great lengths to address safety issues on our campus.
Following the shooting, the school issued a campus-wide notice via text message.
Evans Hall, a men’s residence hall with fewer than 300 students, was the scene of Sanderson’s shooting between 10 and 10:30 p.m.
The incident was reported at 10:33 p.m., and at 10:38 p.m., three Black guys were seen exiting Evans Hall in a late-model blue Crown Victoria.
According to Keenum, the absence of security may not have been an issue because students must use a keycard to enter the building.
Sanderson was apparently shot many times and transferred to a local hospital, where Keenum stated that emergency services “could not save him.”
Following the shooting, Keenum announced the clearance of students near the room on the first floor where the shooting occurred and the relocation of another 24 students.
We notified Sanderson’s Madison family at approximately 12:49 a.m.
“Our Bulldog Family is saddened by this event and the loss of one of our students,” Keenum said. “Our hearts go out to John Sanderson’s family and friends. They continue to be in our prayers.”
Keenum claims that MSU police responded to the gunshot within a minute and are currently conducting their investigation.
“Our campus Crisis Action Team was convened immediately and began monitoring developments and coordinating response,“ he said. “Our police department stepped up patrols, assisted by officers from the City of Starkville and the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s office. Throughout the night and into [Sunday] morning, we have kept the campus informed of developments through our Maroon Alert emergency notification system.”
Police reportedly spoke with witnesses and reviewed surveillance video early Sunday morning.
Condolences and 🙏 for the families 🙏🙏🙏